The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today highlighted the importance of creating a strong alumni network by the institutions of our higher education. Underlining that many of the world's top universities draw their strength from their large alumni base, he exhorted the alumni to give back to society. “No matter where the alumni are, it is important that they contribute to their institutions, be it via human effort, ideas or concepts,” he added.
The Vice President made these remarks while addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Surajmal Memorial Education Society in New Delhi today. Mentioning the glorious history of Maharaja Surajmal, Shri Dhankhar asked the institution named after him to strive for excellence and eminence at national and global levels.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations of Surajmal Memorial Education Society  were attended by Shri Kaptan Singh, President, SMES, Ms. Esha Jakhar, Vice President, SMES, Shri Ajit Singh Choudhary, Secretary of the society, teachers, students and other dignitaries.
Thereafter, the Vice President inaugurated the International Conference on Infrastructure, Information and Innovation for Building New Bharat at Delhi University today. The Conference is being jointly organized by Gandhi Bhawan, the University of Delhi & Gandhi Samiti and Darshan Samiti.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, the Vice President said that a nation is defined by its student community and stressed that the time has come when the youth of the country, and the students in particular, should become authentic opinion-makers.
Referring to India’s great demographic dividend, Shri Dhankhar said that the future belongs to the youngsters and they have to shape the destiny of the country. “Their direction and attitude will define the course of history,” he added.
He termed India as a shining star in a world beset by negativity and a slowdown in the global economy. Referring to the increasing number of Indian unicorns, he said that the energy and dynamism of young minds is driving India’s economic growth.
Describing education as a great equalizer, the Vice President asked the University of Delhi to aspire to be among the best in the world. He also advised students to respect their parents, elders and teachers, and to always keep the nation above everything else. “Let’s take pride in the rise of India,” he told them.
Stressing that India is on its way to reclaiming its past glory, the Vice President urged everyone to focus on the Fundamental Duties as enumerated by our constitution to make the nation Vishwa Guru again.
Referring to the 75th year of India’s independence, Shri Dhankhar said that there are many unsung heroes of our freedom struggle in every part of the country. “We must be ever grateful to those who sacrificed their lives to make our lives comfortable,” he added.
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship & Electronics and Information Technology, Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Shri Vijay Goel, Vice-Chairman, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Prof. KP Singh, Director, Gandhi Bhawan, faculty members, students and other dignitaries were present.